Detroit Tigers Place Steven Moya on Outright Waivers, JaCoby Jones Appears to Make Team

The Detroit Tigers have placed big left-handed slugger Steven Moya on outright waivers clearing the path for JaCoby Jones to make the opening day roster.

The Detroit Tigers have placed the left-handed hitting outfielder Steven Moya on outright waivers according to a tweet by ESPN’s Jayson Stark. Moya is out of options and needs to clear waivers if the Tigers are to send him to the minor leagues.

Stark initially reported that the Tigers had placed Moya on release waivers but received info from another source that he’s actually being placed on outright waivers which would allow him to be retained and sent to the minor leagues if he goes unclaimed. The claiming team would have to place Moya on their major league roster (or place him on outright waivers themselves) if they wish to keep him.

Moya appeared in parts of three seasons for the Tigers’ major league team, but never developed the consistency to become a regular member of the roster. He has accumulated a .250/.293/.452 batting line in 133 total major league plate appearances with five home runs to his name. The 25-year-old never developed the type of plate discipline and contact skills to allow his prodigious power to play. He also struggled as a defender in the corner outfield.

With J.D. Martinez to open the season on the disabled list, the Tigers appear to be set with the 13 position players they’ll take on their opening day roster. Center fielders JaCoby Jones and Mikie Mahtook both remain in camp and appear to have wrapped up spots on the 25-man roster.

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If Jones does indeed make the team, expect him to get regular reps in center field. The Tigers want him to continue to develop at the plate; he can’t do that if he’s sitting on the bench. Mahtook is likely to serves as a reserve outfielder of the bench with Tyler Collins sliding over to play corner outfield in Martinez’s absence.